Fans howl whenever Hollywood “reimagines” beloved IPs.
And, as we all know, that happens a lot.
- “Star Wars”
- “Star Trek”
- “The Lord of the Rings”
- “Doctor Who”
So director Ti West deserves credit for refusing that facile approach with “Ebenezer,” the umpteenth spin on “A Christmas Carol.” The problem?
We’ve seen Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption so many times that the element of surprise is no longer in play. West adds a spookiness to the material that few could match, and the setting looks so authentic you can smell the dust and ash.
Otherwise, it’s best to sit back and relax while star Johnny Depp makes an iconic character his own. Even if you know exactly what’s coming next. And you will.
Do we even need a plot summary? Depp’s Ebenezer Scrooge cares about nothing save money. He has a partner in misery with Jacob Marley (Ian McKellen, superb as always). When Jacob passes, it leaves just Ebenezer and his underling, the soft-spoken Bob Cratchit (Rupert Grint), to rattle around their dank office.
The story officially begins on Christmas Eve, and ol’ Ebenezer wants Bob to report to duty tomorrow as usual. All together now, “Humbug!”
Except it’s a long time until Christmas morning, and Ebenezer is about to be visited by three ghosts showing him the error of his miserly ways.
The ghosts are uniformly excellent, from McKellen’s iron-clad ghoul to an unrecognizable Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Tramell Tillman (“Severance”) excels as a ghost with a story arc and visual decay all his own.
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West, no stranger to the horror genre, leans into the ick factor, utilizing practical effects as much as possible. The film’s creepy visions have a tangible quality that could help it stand the test of time, but younger viewers might stick with “Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol.”
Otherwise, this is Depp’s showcase, and he doesn’t disappoint. The actor understood the assignment, bringing a larger-than-life flair to Charles Dickens’ inimitable villain. He spits out some lines and luxuriates in others.
What’s most impressive? He doesn’t draw too much attention to his handiwork. The real star of the show is Ebenezer’s soul, hanging by a thread after decades of neglect.
Production values deliver us back to the mid-19th century, from flickering gaslights to impeccable costume design choices. The few musical moments may spark a tear duct or two, depending upon how close Dec. 25 is at the time.
We’ll never get enough of Scrooge-like redemptive tales, which helps explain why we’ve seen so many “Carols” over time. (Where’s that Scrooge/Grinch crossover when we need it?)
Still, when you know every story beat before it appears, something vital is missing. We’re even treated to the image of a door knocker transforming into Marley’s visage.
Unsettling but not unexpected.
Google’s A.I. bean counters suggest at least 270 versions of “A Christmas Carol” preceded “Ebenzer.” One listicle counts down the 57 “best” takes on the story. (Is there a similar list for the worst?)
We need a moratorium on all things Scrooge until we can give fresh stories our attention. Until then, Depp’s “Ebenezer” is a fine way to bid a brief farewell to Charles Dickens’ yuletide classic.
HiT or Miss: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Horror/comedy/Fantasy
Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Where to Watch: In Theaters Nov. 13
Family Friendly? PG:13 (Frightening imagery, horror-esque thrills)